Princeton, NJ, May 23, 2014–Kenda Creasy Dean, professor of youth, church, and culture at Princeton Theological Seminary, received the 2014 Society of John Wesley Award of Merit from her alma mater Wesley Theological Seminary.

The award recognizes a Wesley graduate who, through sacrificial leadership, exemplifies a high standard of commitment and devotion to God, the church, and Wesley Theological Seminary.

Wesley President David McAllister-Wilson said, “Dr. Dean is one of a few theologians today who are known and read across denominations. Her work is groundbreaking and refreshing and has helped all of us focus on what it will take for the church to be both faithful and relevant. We are proud of Kenda as one of our most distinguished alums.”

Upon receiving the award Dean said, “It’s really a humbling thing to know that, after all these years, the people who helped shape you as a pastor still believe in you.”

Princeton Theological Seminary, founded in 1812, is the first seminary established by the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church. Its mission is to educate leaders for the church of Jesus Christ worldwide, and its more than 500 students and 11,000 graduates from all fifty states and many nations around the world serve Christ in churches, schools and universities, healthcare institutions, nonprofit agencies, initiatives for social justice, mission agencies, and the emerging ministries of the church in the twenty-first century.